Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

I only ask because today I saw an inter-city bus which had Star of David decals on the back of its rearview mirrors.

Sparkles*_*

[jaebea]

Interesting question.

Would sure like to meet them if there are any.

Hmm.

jae.

[cruisemonkey]

Don't know... maybe it was the 'lost tribe'?

[Leslie Cheswyck]

The Co-sun people?

[rapier]

The first Jewish settlement in South Korea occurred during the Korean War (1950-1953). Hundreds of American Jews joined the armed forces in protest of the Communist invasion from the North. During the war, Chaim Potok served as a U.S. Chaplain in Korea. It was from these experiences that influenced his later novels, The Book of Lights and I am the Clay.

Most of the present Jewish community in South Korea reside in Seoul, and are a part of the American military presence stationed in the country. There are approximately 150 Jews living in South Korea. Therefore, this community is only considered a temporary establishment, consisting of Jewish soldiers and military officers posted in South Korea. Most of the community��s membership is continuously fluctuating, with the departure of some military companies and the arrival of new soldiers. However, since the Korean War a few Jewish families have permanently settled in South Korea and work in various businesses or as teachers, but the majority of the community are transient military soldiers stationed in South Korea until their time of duty is concluded.

There are religious services held at the Yongsan Military Reservation every Friday evening.

Relations with Israel
Currently, Israel and South Korea maintain full diplomatic relations. The Israeli Embassy is located in Seoul.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/south_korea.html

The Jewish Chronicle (JC) of 31.7.53 said there were 4,000 Jewish servicemen and women serving in the Allied Forces in Korea, mostly American
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/sugar10.html

[rapier]

Talking of religion...anyone know or remember anything about the right Reverend Moon and the world unification church/ moonies?- not sure if he's still alive or his followers- mostly back in the 70's I think.
Here are some of his teachings.

"America is too arrogant and individualistic, however. It cannot remain the world leader because God has destined America to serve Korea"

"At the leaders�� meeting on June 6, 1997, on True Day of All Things, Father emphasized for about 30 minutes that every non-Korean member must learn Korean...On August 10, 1997, Father strongly emphasized that those who do not speak Korean will not be qualified to attend the leaders�� meetings. ... Father also mentioned that Koreans are the blood lineage of True Parents"

http://www.newcovpub.com/unification/racialegs.html

I really think The U.S should've been more careful whom it let in.

[Bulsajo]

[Hater Depot]

I've met Koreans who didn't know the Korean word for Jew.

The Rev. Moon is most definitely alive. In fact he is enormously wealthy. He managed to get some Republican bigwigs to hold a coronation ceremony for him in the Senate building, at which he proclaimed himself the messiah.

[mindmetoo]

I saw this school with a painting of a hasidic rabbi teaching Korean kids. There were dreidels everywhere on the building. I thought "wow, are there so many Jewish Koreans?"

Turned out, many Koreans believe the Jewish educational system is superior and they have hagwons that try to mimic the system...

[dogbert]

The Talmud (in translation) is assigned reading in Korean elementary schools.

[Hater Depot]

My neighbour's daughter had a translated Talmud. I'd be interested to know how long it's been used in schools, and how much of its Jewishness gets lost in translation. My vice principal asked me if Jews believe in the New Testament.

On the other hand, a lot of Koreans don't seem to have too much interest in religion. Almost half the country is atheist, right? Even quite a few Christians don't seem to know too much about it. And Korean Buddhism doesn't seem to have the elaborate mythology of Chinese or Indian varieties.

I guess what I'm saying is, only half of Koreans identify with a religion, and I'd say for only half of them does their religion have much meaning. But I'll take that over the often ridiculous, self-centered and bogus 'spirituality' common in America now.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[shakuhachi]

[tardisrider]

Q: Are there any Korean Jews?

Yes, there are, but of course, not many.
I'm Jewish and usually go to High Holiday services here. There are a handful of Koreans who have converted and attend services at the Chapel on Yongsan base.

[supernick]